Sound power measurements of acoustic sources are generally made in reverberation or anechoic chambers using acoustic pressure measurements as outlined in specific ISO or other standards. A reverberation chamber produces an approximate diffuse-field condition, wherein the sound power is determined from the spatially averaged squared pressure. An anechoic chamber produces an approximate free-field condition, wherein the sound power is estimated from squared pressure over an enveloping measurement surface. However, in many cases it is desirable to estimate sound power within nonideal semi-reverberant spaces. In these environments, both direct and reverberant energies may contribute significantly to the total acoustic field. This paper introduces two measurement methods that utilize a weighted combination of potential and kinetic energy densities, known as generalized acoustic energy density, to estimate sound power in nonideal semi-reverberant rooms. The first method employs a generalized sound power formulation, which is an adaptation to an equation developed in 1948 for semi-reverberant spaces. The second, called the two-point in situ method, is a technique based on the generalized sound power formulation for quick and accurate in situ sound power estimates. Since the generalized acoustic energy density is more spatially uniform than the squared acoustic pressure in an enclosed field, these methods have the advantage of achieving the same accuracy in sound power determination with fewer measurement positions. This thesis explores the possibility of using these new methods in place of methods outlined in current ISO standards by describing analytical, numerical, and experimental results.

The search for a convenient connection between vibration patterns on a structure and the sound radiated from that structure is ongoing in structural acoustics literature. Common techniques are wavenumber domain methods, or representation of the vibration in terms of some basis, such as structural modes or elementary radiators, and calculating the sound radiation in terms of the basis. Most choices for a basis in this situation exhibit strong coupling between the basis functions, but there is one choice which does not: Acoustic radiation modes are by definition the basis that orthogonalizes the radiation operator, meaning the radiation modes do not exhibit any coupling in radiation of sound.Acoustic radiation modes are coming up on their 30th anniversary in the literature, but still have not found wide use. This is largely due to the fact that most radiation modes must be calculated through the computationally intensive boundary element method or boundary integral equations. Analytical expressions for radiation modes, or for the radiation resistance matrix from which they are derived, are only available for a few geometries. This thesis meets this problem head on, to develop additional analytical expressions for radiation resistance matrices of cylindrically curved structures.Radiation modes are developed in the context of their use to calculate sound power. Experimental and computational sound power calculations are presented in order to validate the use of the modes developed here. In addition, the properties and trends of the developed modes are explored.

In the field of supersonic jet noise, measurements of full-scale afterburning jet engines are infrequent and provide unique opportunities to better understand jet noise phenomena. This thesis represents a phenomenological jet noise analysis using far-field noise data collected from a T-7A-installed GE F404-103 turbofan engine. One issue with the far-field acoustic data from the T-7A was the effects of ground reflections present in the spectra generated from the measured waveforms. A previously developed ground reflection model was implemented into the data to account for this interference. This work represents the first time this model has been implemented in data collected from a full-scale aircraft. Spectra and spatiospectral maps are used to show that, while imperfect, this model represents a step in the right direction for accounting for ground reflections. From the ground reflection-corrected data, sound power values were calculated at varying engine powers. These values were compared against mechanical power values calculated using provided engine parameters at the corresponding engine conditions. It is shown that the observed increase in sound power with mechanical power at supersonic engine conditions follows classical jet noise theory, while the increase between transonic engine conditions is much greater than predicted by classical jet noise theory. This divergence is currently unexplained. Finally, far-field noise directivity measured from the T-7A is connected back to both physics-based and empirically derived definitions of the convective Mach number, a dimensionless parameter used to describe the velocities of coherent structures in the turbulent mixing layer of a jet. For supersonic jets, where Mach wave radiation is the dominant noise source, the convective Mach number should be useful for predicting peak directivity angles. The evaluated definitions show that the convective Mach number associated with Kelvin-Helmholtz instability waves best predicts the peak directivity of the T-7A.

Measurements in a reverberation chamber use spatially averaged squared pressure to calculate sound absorption, sound power, and other sound measurements. While a reverberation chamber provides an approximation of a diffuse sound field, variations in the measurements introduce uncertainty in measurement results. Room qualification procedures require a sufficient number of source-receiver locations to obtain suitable measurements. The total acoustic energy density provides greater spatial uniformity than squared pressure, which requires fewer source-receiver positions to produce similar or better accuracy in measurement results. This paper explores the possibility of using energy density in place of squared pressure, using methods outlined in current ISO standards, by describing several experimental and analytical results.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) provides no vibration-based sound power measurement standard that provides Precision (Grade 1) results. Current standards that provide Precision (Grade 1) results require known acoustic environments or complex setups. This thesis details the Vibration Based Radiation Mode (VBRM) method as one approach that could potentially be used to develop a Precision (Grade 1) standard. The VBRM method uses measured surface velocities of a structure and combines them with the radiation resistance matrix to calculate sound power. In this thesis the VBRM method is used to measure the sound power of a single-plate and multiple plate system. The results are compared to sound power measurements using ISO 3741 and good alignment between the 200 Hz and 4 kHz one-third octave band is shown. It also shows that in the case of two plates separated by a distance and driven with uncorrelated sources, the contribution to sound power of each individual plate can be calculated while they are simultaneously excited. The VBRM method is then extended to account for acoustically radiating cylindrical geometries. The mathematical formulations of the radiation resistance matrix and the accompanying acoustic radiation modes of a baffled cylinder are developed. Numberical sound power calculations using the VBRM method and a boundary element method (BEM) are compared and show good alignment. Experimental surface velocity measurements of a cylinder are taken using a scanning laser Doppler vibrometer (SLDV) and the VBRM method is used to calculate the sound power of a cylinder experimentally. The results are compared to sound power measurements taken using ISO 3741.

Noise reduction in vehicle exhaust systems is crucial for mitigating the adverse health effects of noise from roadside traffic. Improvements to engine exhaust systems could be one avenue to reduce vehicle and roadside noise. Therefore, understanding the insertion loss and transmission loss is of crucial importance as these constitute important metrics for the effectiveness of mufflers in exhaust systems. In addition, knowledge about the maximum emitted sound power is also desirable as it is an important characteristic of the exhaust system affecting the final emitted noise. This study provides an overview of the theoretical underpinnings of the acoustics that model engine exhaust systems, where the maximum sound powers are presented, as well as explores the sensitivity of the insertion and transmission loss to input variables. A sensitivity analysis of the transmission and insertion loss was conducted using data provided by Scania, a large Swedish truck manufacturer, from which it was concluded that the provided transfer matrix exhibit stable behavior. More generally, in face of specific perturbations, if some conditions are meet, the resulting change to the insertion and transmission loss may only be an upwards or downwards translation, or no change at all.

Vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs) have with time been outrivaled by the today more common and economically feasible horizontal-axis wind turbines (HAWTs). However, VAWTs have several advantages which still make them interesting, for example, the VAWTs can have the drive train at ground level and it has been argued that they have lower noise emission. Other proposed advantages are suitability for both up-scaling and floating offshore platforms. The work within this thesis is made in collaboration between Halmstad University and Uppsala University. A 200-kW semi-guy-wired VAWT H-rotor, owned by Uppsala University but situated in Falkenberg close to Halmstad, has been the main subject of the research although most results can be generalized to suit a typical H-rotor. This thesis has three main topics regarding VAWTs: (1) how the wind energy extraction is influenced by turbulence, (2) aerodynamical noise generation and (3) eigenfrequencies of the semi-guy-wired tower. The influence from turbulence on the wind energy extraction is studied by evaluating logged operational data and examining how the power curve and the tip-speed ratio for maximum Cp is impacted by turbulence. The work has showed that the T1-turbine has a good ability to extract wind energy at turbulent conditions, indicating an advantage in energy extraction at turbulent sites for VAWTs compared to HAWTs.The noise characteristics are studied experimentally, and models of the two most likely aerodynamic noise mechanisms are applied. Here, inflow-turbulence noise is deemed as the prevailing noise source rather than turbulent-boundary-layer trailing-edge noise (TBL-TE) which is the most important noise mechanism for HAWTs. The overall noise emission has also been measured and proven low compared to similar sized HAWTs. The eigenfrequencies of a semi-guy-wired tower are also studied. Analytical expressions describing the first-mode eigenfrequency of both tower and guy wire has been derived and verified by experiments and simulations.

This thesis is part of a major research project to analyse vibro-acoustic characteristics from variable speed inverter driven induction motors (VSIDIM). The overall projects??? aimed at providing a better understanding of the mechanisms of sound generation from electromagnetic origins and developing a numerical model to predict the sound power emitted from a VSIDIM. The scope of this thesis is to assess experimentally the effect of various controller strategies on the radiated sound power and to develop a finite element method for calculating the electromagnetic force distribution over the stator. Various sources of noise in induction motors and their behaviour with speed and load have been reviewed. Models of the electromagnetic field and vibro-acoustic character have been discussed. An outline of various techniques of reducing noise in induction motors through design of inverters and modifications to the motor structure has been given. Experiments were conducted to assess the effect of controller strategies on the radiated sound power. Three different supplies were tested: a dynamotor which produces an almost sinusoidal supply with very low harmonic content, an inverter with a low switching frequency (less than 1kHz) and an inverter with a high switching frequency (8kHz) and various levels of random modulation. Results indicate that the sound power level of the MSC drive is a lot higher than that of the VSC 2000 drive and the dynamotor drive. The sound power level of the VSC 2000 drive and the dynamotor drive increases almost linearly with motor speed, that for the MSC drive is almost independent of speed. The sound power level of the MSC drive is almost 28dB higher than that of the dynamotor drive at 450rpm and the difference is reduced to 14dB at 1500rpm where the aerodynamic noise becomes more dominant. It has been found that at the rated speed (1500rpm), the sound power level varies by less than 3dB from no load to full load for all three sources. Although increasing the switching frequency increases the cost of the inverters and switching losses, results from the MSC and VSC 2000 drives clearly show that it reduces the radiated sound power by shifting the harmonics into higher and inaudible frequency range. The tonal nature around the switching frequency has been reduced by increasing the levels of random modulation to spread the energy over a wider range of frequencies, although the sound power level has not varied by more than 0.2dB. A finite element model has been developed to calculate the electromagnetic force distribution. The quasi-static solution method has been implemented by stepping the rotor through the time domain using a fine regular mesh in the air gap. The stator currents were experimentally obtained while the rotor currents were obtained using a 4 parameter state space model of the motor. Results of the simulation indicate the influence of stator and rotor slots, saturation and time harmonics in the current. The calculated electromagnetic force distribution has been used in a FEM/BEM acoustic model and SEA acoustic model to predict the radiated sound power which agrees reasonably well with the measured sound, thus validating indirectly the electromagnetic force simulations.

This thesis is part of a major research project to analyse vibro-acoustic characteristics from variable speed inverter driven induction motors (VSIDIM). The overall projects??? aimed at providing a better understanding of the mechanisms of sound generation from electromagnetic origins and developing a numerical model to predict the sound power emitted from a VSIDIM. The scope of this thesis is to assess experimentally the effect of various controller strategies on the radiated sound power and to develop a finite element method for calculating the electromagnetic force distribution over the stator. Various sources of noise in induction motors and their behaviour with speed and load have been reviewed. Models of the electromagnetic field and vibro-acoustic character have been discussed. An outline of various techniques of reducing noise in induction motors through design of inverters and modifications to the motor structure has been given. Experiments were conducted to assess the effect of controller strategies on the radiated sound power. Three different supplies were tested: a dynamotor which produces an almost sinusoidal supply with very low harmonic content, an inverter with a low switching frequency (less than 1kHz) and an inverter with a high switching frequency (8kHz) and various levels of random modulation. Results indicate that the sound power level of the MSC drive is a lot higher than that of the VSC 2000 drive and the dynamotor drive. The sound power level of the VSC 2000 drive and the dynamotor drive increases almost linearly with motor speed, that for the MSC drive is almost independent of speed. The sound power level of the MSC drive is almost 28dB higher than that of the dynamotor drive at 450rpm and the difference is reduced to 14dB at 1500rpm where the aerodynamic noise becomes more dominant. It has been found that at the rated speed (1500rpm), the sound power level varies by less than 3dB from no load to full load for all three sources. Although increasing the switching frequency increases the cost of the inverters and switching losses, results from the MSC and VSC 2000 drives clearly show that it reduces the radiated sound power by shifting the harmonics into higher and inaudible frequency range. The tonal nature around the switching frequency has been reduced by increasing the levels of random modulation to spread the energy over a wider range of frequencies, although the sound power level has not varied by more than 0.2dB. A finite element model has been developed to calculate the electromagnetic force distribution. The quasi-static solution method has been implemented by stepping the rotor through the time domain using a fine regular mesh in the air gap. The stator currents were experimentally obtained while the rotor currents were obtained using a 4 parameter state space model of the motor. Results of the simulation indicate the influence of stator and rotor slots, saturation and time harmonics in the current. The calculated electromagnetic force distribution has been used in a FEM/BEM acoustic model and SEA acoustic model to predict the radiated sound power which agrees reasonably well with the measured sound, thus validating indirectly the electromagnetic force simulations.

This diploma thesis deals with comparing noise levels of three side vents of different constructions, which are used for distribution and directing of ventilation air in a cabin of an automobile. The fundamental knowledge of the physical and physiological acoustics is described in the introduction part of this study. Following the introduction part there is a brief explanation of the car air conditioning system (HVAC system) as well as are explained the acoustic properties of specific elements of this system. The study also deals with dividing ventilation vents and describes the vast traceable types of automobile vents. Prior to the description of the experiment, which was conducted as a part of this study, the procedures and results of the measurements carried out in other theses are explained. Measurement of noise levels of the compared vents was carried out in a semi-anechoic chamber under the ČSN ISO 3475 standardization. To clarify increase of noise generated by the vent in an interior of an automobile, additional measurement of noise was carried out in a cabin of Porsche Cayenne 2018. From the gathered results we can conclude that under the constant flow, (of 60 square meters per hour) louder vents are those with higher pressure loss. This pressure loss is dependant primarily on the speed of the flow in the vent, as well as on the number and the adjustment of the deflectors. In a cabin of an automobile, the noise produced by the vent is negligible in comparison with total noise in an interior of a car. However, in the area surrounding the air flowing out from the vent, (approximately 0,7 meters from it) the level of acoustic pressure increases significantly.